Emmanuel Acho on why Brandon Aiyuk should want trade from 49ers

Emmanuel Acho, host of FS1's "Speak," recently shared his strong opinion on the contract standoff between the San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk. This week, the wide receiver requested a trade after negotiations failed to progress to his satisfaction. Aiyuk aims to become one of the NFL's highest-paid receivers, likely seeking an annual salary of around $30 million.

The 49ers, however, reportedly have yet to budge from their most recent offer of approximately $26 million annually, resulting in the rift between the player and the team.

Acho claimed to have recently spoken with Aiyuk's agent and provided some perspective on how the two sides reached this impasse. He states that the 49ers "grossly underestimated" how the wide receiver market would develop this offseason. It's tough to argue with that. The 49ers could have saved a lot of money and aggravation by finalizing a deal earlier in the offseason before the market exploded.

While the 49ers' initial offer of $26 million might have seemed fair at the time, it does not align with the current market value. As was the case two years ago with Deebo Samuel, San Francisco's prolonged contract negotiations with star players may cost them significantly.

However, the 49ers have substantial leverage in negotiations. Aiyuk is under contract for $14.124 million this season, thanks to a team-exercised fifth-year option. In future years, San Francisco can also use the franchise tag to retain the receiver's rights.

Given the situation, Acho made it clear that Aiyuk should want to leave the 49ers, sympathizing with the receiver's perspective. He argues that despite telling Aiyuk they can't afford to pay him his asking price, the team handed out raises to Christian McCaffrey and Jauan Jennings.

It's worth noting that Acho overlooks that those contract extensions lowered the salary cap impact of both players in 2024.

"So the kicker, what you have to realize ... when somebody tells you they ain't got money, that's not what they mean," Acho declared. "What they mean is they don't have money for you ... Aiyuk. They don't have money for you. The Niners got the money. The question is, do they got the money for Aiyuk?

"So to me, I would be upset if I'm Aiyuk, not because they ain't got the money. They got the money. It's just, do they got the money for you? So where I'm at with it, if I'm Aiyuk, I would want out. The reason I would want out is because, in the last three years, I've done everything right."

The 49ers have the sixth-most cap space in the NFL at an estimated $31.5 million, much of which will be carried over into 2025. The team is gearing up to make quarterback Brock Purdy one of the highest-paid players in NFL history and is trying to plan accordingly.

However, Aiyuk is also an emerging NFL star. He has recorded two consecutive seasons surpassing 1,000 receiving yards, leading the team with 1,342 yards last season. Acho notes that Aiyuk isn't just an elite pass catcher. He is also an unselfish blocker downfield.

"Good runs turn into great runs when wide receivers block downfield," Acho commented. "The reason the Niners have the best running back in football is because of McCaffrey, but not just because of McCaffrey. It's because you have dedicated wide receivers like Brandon Aiyuk, first-round picks who block downfield."

Acho added, "If you're Brandon Aiyuk, you have done everything right, and now it's time for the Niners to do right by you."